Forage education event set for dec 6

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension encourages producers and forage industry professionals to attend the Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting on December 6, 2024. 

This informative event will take place at the Holiday Inn Express in Brandon, South Dakota, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, providing attendees with valuable insights on forage-related education, research, and best practices.

Registration is preferred by November 25, with free entry for Northern Plains Forage Association members. Non-members can attend for a $10 fee, which includes lunch. To register and review the complete event schedule, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “forage.”

Featured presentations will include insights from Pete Sexton, SDSU Extension Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist, who will speak on forage rye and double cropping.

Dan Putnam, Emeritus professor and Statewide Alfalfa and Forage Extension Specialist at the University of California, Davis, will serve as the keynote speaker, addressing how producers can interpret feed test results effectively. Other speakers will discuss the role of annual forages as livestock feed, cover crops, and strategies for farm transition planning. Attendees can also learn methods to capture the nutrients in manure for crop use, helping maximize resource efficiency.

Certified Crop Advisors attending the event are eligible for continuing education credits, making it an excellent professional development opportunity.

“South Dakota and many surrounding states are the heart of forage production in the United States,” said SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist Sara Bauder.

“In an effort to offer high-quality forage education programming and networking opportunities, the Northern Plains Forage Association has put together an excellent educational seminar program this year that includes multiple forage and farm business topics.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes South Dakota as one of the top forage-producing states in the country, with over 6.1 million tons of alfalfa, grass, and other hay produced in 2023.

This event provides a regional platform for producers to stay informed about emerging technologies and innovations in the forage industry.

For more details, contact Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist, who can provide additional information on the event and its offerings.

Photo Credit:usda